The functional foods industry in DACH is rapidly growing, focusing on products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Companies here range from startups to established giants, working on innovations like plant-based alternatives, supplements, and nutrient-rich food products. The sector is increasingly intertwined with biotechnology and sustainability initiatives, catering to consumers' rising health consciousness. Trends show a push for clean-label foods and transparency in sourcing, signaling a shift toward more ethical consumption. A notable growth spurt in demand for plant-based and functional ingredients suggests that the future lies in health-oriented products that align with wellness trends.


The investment landscape for functional foods in DACH is vibrant, characterized by venture capital firms, corporate investors, and a few emerging alliances. Predominantly headquartered in cities like Zurich, Berlin, and Munich, these investors vary in size, with many managing small to medium-sized teams. Most firms were founded between 2000 and 2020, showcasing a wave of new entrants into the market. Notably, 2024 saw an impressive array of deals, indicating strong investor interest in the functional foods category, where health and nutrition are becoming essential priorities.


Top 17 Functional Foods Investors in DACH


1. Blue Horizon

  • Website: bluehorizon.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bluehorizoncorp

Blue Horizon is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to investing in sustainable food systems. The firm supports mission-aligned founders in the bioeconomy by providing funding and resources to scale innovative solutions, particularly in alternative proteins and sustainable practices. Notable transactions include a significant investment in Impossible Foods, which raised $114 million to develop plant-based meat alternatives, and a seed investment in NuCicer, focusing on high-protein chickpea varieties. They also led a Series A funding round for Heartbest Foods, a supplier of plant-based cheese and milk, and participated in funding for Apparo, which is developing sunflower protein ingredients. These investments highlight Blue Horizon's commitment to advancing the functional foods sector and supporting entrepreneurs creating impactful change in sustainable food production.


2. Nestlé

  • Website: nestle.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nestle-s-a-

Nestlé S.A. is a multinational food and beverage company based in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1866. With over 10,000 employees, Nestlé offers a diverse range of products, including coffee, dairy, and pet care items, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. In recent years, Nestlé has made significant acquisitions that enhance its presence in the functional foods sector. Notably, the acquisition of Garden of Life in 2017 positioned Nestlé within the health and wellness market, focusing on organic and non-GMO products. Furthermore, the acquisition of The Bountiful Company in 2021 for $5.75 billion integrated a robust vitamins and supplements line into Nestlé Health Science, reinforcing its commitment to health and nutrition. These strategic moves demonstrate Nestlé's active role in the functional foods industry, alongside its broader portfolio.


3. Nestlé Health Science


Nestlé Health Science is a health and nutrition company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, specializing in medical nutrition, active lifestyle nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2011, the company operates globally, providing innovative, science-based solutions aimed at improving health outcomes for patients and consumers. In recent years, Nestlé Health Science has made significant strides in the functional foods sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, it acquired Orgain, a plant-based nutrition company known for its clean, all-natural products, and completed the acquisition of Nature’s Bounty, which includes well-known brands like Solgar. Additionally, the company has acquired IM HealthScience and NBTY, further enhancing its health and nutrition portfolio. These transactions reflect Nestlé Health Science's commitment to expanding its presence in the functional foods market, catering to the growing demand for health-focused nutritional products.


4. Beyond Impact VC


Beyond Impact VC is a venture capital firm based in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in sustainable and animal-free products and services, focusing on early-stage companies that promote vegan lifestyles and technologies that replace animal-derived products. Their investment strategy is aligned with supporting innovative and compassionate business models. Notable transactions include their participation in the Series A funding round for Paleo, a startup aiming to scale its technology for GMO-free products, and their involvement in Plant Veda Foods, which is likely engaged in the plant-based food sector. Additionally, they have invested in Back of the Yards Algae Sciences and Yeastup, both of which are relevant to the functional foods industry, further solidifying their commitment to this market.


5. FoodLabs

  • Website: foodlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-food-labs

FoodLabs is an investment firm and food technology incubator based in Berlin, founded in 2016. They focus on supporting innovative startups in the food tech sector, providing investment and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to promote sustainable food solutions and address global challenges related to food security and health. Notably, FoodLabs has participated in several relevant transactions, including Bosque Foods, a biotech company developing mycelium-based whole-cut meat alternatives, and Formo, which raised significant funding for its dairy alternatives. These investments highlight FoodLabs' commitment to advancing functional foods and sustainable food technologies.


6. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. It focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle major global challenges in health and food security. The firm provides funding and active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions in these sectors. Notably, Leaps by Bayer has been involved in several transactions relevant to functional foods, such as leading a seed investment in NuCicer, which is developing chickpea varieties with significantly higher protein content. They also participated in the Series B funding round for Pairwise Plants, a company focused on genetically enhancing fresh produce using CRISPR technology, which aligns with the goals of functional foods to improve nutrition and health outcomes. Their investments reflect a commitment to advancing food technology and addressing nutritional challenges.


7. redalpine


Redalpine is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in technology and science sectors, providing funding and strategic support to startups. Notably, Redalpine has made significant investments in the functional foods space, including Luya Foods, which raised $5.9 million in Series A funding to scale production of plant-based meat alternatives, and Mushlabs, which raised $10 million in Series A funding to enhance production capabilities in the biotech food sector. Additionally, they have invested in Better Dairy and Uncommon, both of which are focused on innovative food technologies. These transactions highlight Redalpine's commitment to empowering companies that address global challenges in food production and sustainability.


8. Sictic

  • Website: sictic.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 77
  • LinkedIn: sictic

Sictic is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. In 2024, Sictic has been involved in several significant transactions within the functional foods sector, including Luya Foods, which raised approximately $5.9 million in a Series A round, and Yeastup, which raised about $9.9 million in a Series A round as well. These investments highlight Sictic's active role in supporting companies that are innovating in the functional foods space, alongside other transactions that may not be directly related to this industry.


9. SevenVentures

  • Website: sevenventures.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 10262962

SevenVentures is a corporate investment firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in media investments and partnerships with consumer-oriented startups, providing media-for-equity and media-for-revenue investments to enhance brand visibility through tailored advertising strategies. In recent years, SevenVentures has participated in several funding rounds for startups in the functional foods sector, including mybacs, which raised 5.6 million euros in a Series A funding round, indicating their engagement in health and nutrition-focused ventures. Additionally, they invested in Formo, which raised $61 million in a Series B round, further showcasing their interest in innovative food solutions. Their diverse portfolio and strategic investments in relevant sectors position them as a notable player in the functional foods investment landscape.


10. Demeter-Partners


Demeter-Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments aimed at promoting sustainable development and ecological solutions. With a team of 11-50 professionals, Demeter-Partners manages a diverse portfolio that includes innovative startups and small to mid-cap companies. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Fermentalg, which focuses on microalgae production for various industries, and Microphyt, which is dedicated to bringing natural products to market. These transactions highlight Demeter-Partners' commitment to supporting ventures that align with the principles of functional foods, emphasizing natural ingredients and sustainable practices.


11. Purple Orange Ventures


Purple Orange Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in early-stage investments in the food and biotechnology sectors. The firm focuses on innovative companies that are working on alternative proteins and cellular agriculture, aiming to transform sustainable food production. Notable transactions include investments in Melt&Marble, which raised $906,750 to develop alternative meat products; BIOMILQ, which secured $3.5 million to create human breast milk from cell cultures; and Change Foods, which raised $2.265 million for its dairy alternatives. Additionally, they invested in OMNI, a plant-based dog food startup, highlighting their interest in functional foods that cater to health and sustainability. These investments reflect Purple Orange Ventures' commitment to supporting startups that are at the forefront of the functional foods industry.


12. AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance


AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, founded in 2024 and based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in and supporting startups within the AgriFoodTech sector. The firm collaborates with innovative businesses to promote sustainable technologies in food production. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for several companies relevant to the functional foods industry, including Yofix, which focuses on probiotics, and Neggst, a company that produces vegan eggs. Their investment in Greenforce, a foodtech company, also highlights their interest in expanding product ranges that may include functional food options. Overall, AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance is positioned to support startups that are developing solutions aimed at enhancing food quality and sustainability.


13. Döhler Ventures


Döhler Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in empowering early-stage startups within the Nutrition & Technology sectors, providing both investment and support to help these companies grow and navigate financial challenges. Döhler Ventures adopts a long-term, entrepreneurial approach to foster innovation in these industries. Notably, they have participated in several relevant transactions, including investments in ahead® | The Human Performance Company, which focuses on human performance nutrition, and Olipop, a California-based prebiotic beverage maker that raised $10 million in a Series A funding round. Additionally, they invested in Your Super, which raised $10 million in Series B funding, further emphasizing their commitment to the functional foods market. Their involvement in these companies highlights their focus on nutrition and health-oriented products, making them a relevant player in the functional foods investment landscape.


14. Good Seed Ventures

  • Website: goodseedventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: good-seed-ventures

Good Seed Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in sustainable food solutions, providing financial support, strategic guidance, and fostering collaboration among industry players to innovate in the food sector. Notably, Good Seed Ventures has made significant investments in companies like Yofix, which focuses on plant-based dairy alternatives, and VlyFoods, known for its innovative plant-based protein products. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting the functional foods industry, particularly in areas that promote health and sustainability.


15. Tet Ventures

  • Website: tet.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: tetvc

Tet Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in investing in teams that are focused on rebuilding the global food system, with a strong emphasis on the food technology sector. They provide both financial support and advisory services to startups tackling significant challenges in the industry. Notably, Tet Ventures has participated in several relevant transactions, including a Series A funding round for Kingdom Supercultures, a company that supplies microbial cultures and aims to expand its portfolio of natural ingredients for consumer goods. They also invested in FORAY bioscience, which is likely involved in innovative food solutions. These investments highlight Tet Ventures' commitment to supporting advancements in the functional foods sector.


16. Econa Ag

  • Website: econa.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: econa-ag

Econa Ag is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm provides investment and consulting services to startups across various industries, supporting ambitious founders with capital and expertise. Their portfolio includes companies in sectors such as pet care, healthcare, and food technology. Notably, Econa Ag has participated in several relevant transactions in the functional foods space, including an investment in Foodspring, an online superfood seller, which raised €6 million in 2017. Additionally, they led a funding round for XbyX – Women in Balance, a healthtech startup focused on women's health, which aligns with the functional foods concept by promoting wellness. Other investments include Sarah Wiener GmbH and Pets Deli, further showcasing their engagement in food-related ventures.


17. b2venture

  • Website: b2venture.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: btovpartners

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They collaborate with a community of angel investors, enhancing their investment strategy and positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has invested in companies within the functional foods space, such as Yamo, a foodtech startup focused on children's nutrition, and Foodspring, an online seller of superfoods and active nutrition products. These investments highlight b2venture's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the food industry, particularly those that cater to health-conscious consumers.



Functional Foods Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Blue HorizonZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020162
NestléVevey, Vaud, Switzerland10001+18662
Nestlé Health ScienceLausanne, Vaud, Switzerland10001+20112
Beyond Impact VCMontreux, Vaud, Switzerland1-1020172
FoodLabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201611
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
redalpineZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50200618
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
SevenVenturesFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-5020093
Demeter-PartnersBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5020070
Purple Orange VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020120
AgriFoodTech Venture AllianceMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020241
Döhler VenturesDarmstadt, Hesse, Germany1-1020143
Good Seed VenturesRheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020181
Tet VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020204
Econa AgBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1019990
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015


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